Tactical Analysis | Occupy and generate space

The occupation of space to generate advantages depending on the opponent is one of the pivotal principles in a positional proposition, with the continuous evolution of oppositions, which seek new solutions to counter it, we often find ourselves wondering what variations can we bring to our structures?

With more frequency in the last three seasons it has been necessary to introduce dynamism and fluidity to positionings, particularly in the last season, as analyzed already for Chelsea and PSG, in this analysis taking Aston Villa as a case-study we can see how it has become a constant for positional structures to occupy certain spaces to find solutions for progression and against mid-low blocks.

Unai Emery proposed a structure against Nottingham Forest with an extremely high center of gravity, overloading the central zones as usual with a 2-2-4-2. This initially, also depending on the defensive adaptation of the opponents condensed the central zones, automatically freeing up areas in the center-right and center-left. These intermediate spaces were often occupied by Asensio/Rogers who would slip out to receive in front of goal and look for progression solutions. Ostensibly we could evaluate these spaces as 'harmless' spaces, certainly compared to 'half spaces,' but against low-blocks in particular they are spaces that can generate danger, either by allowing the receiver to target the opponent's line or trigger relationships to exploit spaces and combinations in the center and width as a result. 

In the second situation analyzed we can see how this occupation can dangerously deconstruct the opponent's structure by generating useful space for direct progress, as happened with Tielemans who recognizes the generated free space and promptly occupies it. It will be interesting to see if there can be a development an important evolution, including with respect to how much it will affect the behavior of the opposition and on several related aspects of the game.

💻 Analyzed with Play3 by Metrica Sports

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